AN: Yet again own nothing. Might speed up a few chapters down the road because I have great plans for all of the characters, and the magic war. Also, soon I will make another video for a Dracula/Hermione pairing...may or may not be tied in with the story, but definitely inspired by the story...so, look for it. Anyways, on with chapter 9.

Chapter 9: Books, Arrows and Negotiations

The next day, Hermione went directly to the library after getting dressed. After scavenging through her endless wardrobe, she chose to wear a corset top with tight black pants. It reminded her of Anna Valerious' outfit in the movie, "Van Helsing." At the moment, she liked that movie's Dracula much better than the real one.

The previous night, she silently cried herself to sleep, thinking of all the events that happened since the cardinal's arrival. She wondered if he was even alive.

Hermione browsed the library to find something with wandless magic. She doubted there would be anything though. She came across some of William Shakesphere and Jane Austen's classics, and a wide range of book genres. Hermione was puzzled by how he would have collected this many works of literature and history. Miss Dragomir searched every shelf, but no luck. She assumed he would not have anything on magic, because he was a vampire. Hermione couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. She yelled at Dracula even though he was so kind to her at the beginning of last night.

She chose to read Pride and Prejudice. Sure, she had read it many times, but the story never got old. Guy and girl loathe each other. Guy professes love for girl. Girl slowly falls for him, and they get married at the end. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if in some strange way that Dracula was her Mr. Darcy. She told herself otherwise. He was just a thorn at her side.

Tine flew by. It was after sundown. After finishing the play, Hermione sat and sighed. Maybe, just maybe, she was a bit harsh. He did save her life, even when she wanted to end it. She rose up to find another book, when she felt a sudden coldness on her shoulder again. She turned to see the king of vampires.

"I see you wish to frighten me again.." Hermione spoke.

"Oh no, Hermione" Count Dracula cooed. " I only came to be graced by your presence."

Hermione turned away for a moment because her cheeks turned slightly pink. "I am flattered by that statement, Count. But, that's not why you are here."

The Count thought for a moment, and then continued. "I came to clear up a few things, and maybe come to a negotiation."

Hermione was stunned. "Yyyou? Nnnegotiate? That is certainly not like you, Count." She was used to the Dracula from the movie. The one who was only capable of putting mortal women under his spell.

"I have to admit it is out of my nature, my beauty. It's something I feel is needed." Hermione went to speak, but her cut her off. "When you ran off, I was going to tell you that Voldemort and I are no longer allies."

Hermione was puzzled by this statement. "But you were there when..."

"That night I was breaking the alliance. I was a friend of his for years. My father informed me on what happened to you under that excuse for a mortal named Severus Snape.." There was a tone or rage when he said the wizard's name. How he hated Snape for hurting Hermione. "And I had to act upon it. So, not all is as you thought it was, Hermione."

She looked at him, almost with regret of misjudging him. "I..I don't know what to say, Count." She came closer. "But what were you going to negotiate about?"

"I almost forgot..but thank you for reminding me, my dear." he drawled. As he said this, he took her hand and kissed it. Chills went down Hermione's spine "But first..."

Hermione raised her eyebrow. She was waiting for his response. "But first what?"

"Are you up for a round of archery?"

"Well..that was a spontaneous suggestion." Hermione snorted. "Why and where did you come up with that?"

"So,are you up for it?"

"I've never tried it.." Hermione mumbled.

"I am a great teacher.." he emphasized the last two words in his declaration.

"I guess." Hermione hesitated.

(AN: to the archery room...AWAY!!!! ROFL...I think I'll be quiet now..)

The targets were set up accordingly. The bullseye spot was blood red. Dracula signaled for Hermione to wait were she was. He retrieved the bows and arrows. She could see the points on the arrows, and could tell they were sharp. She swallowed hard. He saw the expression on her face.

"Scared of a bunch of arrows, my dear?" he asked.

"Um..no! It's just that they look dangerous."

He appeared next to her. "Don't worry." he whispered into her ear. "As long as you are with me...nothing can hurt you."

Hermione blushed again, but was satisfied with his seductive yet meaningful promise. She picked up the bow like he showed her. She was shaking a bit.

"I don't wanna kill someone with this thing.." she gritted through her teeth. "And I'm not so good with handling these kinds of things.."

She breathed, and then armed the arrow. She fired the bow, and it completely missed the target. Hermione wanted to hide fer face in shame. She watched how he fired with ease, and hit the bullseye.

"No fair!" Hermione darted. "You've probably had hundreds of years to practice."

Count Dracula chuckled, and came by her side. "Oh, Hermione. Quite the sense of humor you have. Let me show you."

"No! I can figure it out myself. It's one of those classic moves in the movies where the guy tries to teach her and kisses her or something. And I'm not about to let that happen! I have been.."

"..Called the smartest witch of your age?"

"Great. You stalked me too?" she shrieked a bit.

"I know all. And so does my father."

Hermione exhaled. "Just let me try one more time by myself. I can figure it out. It has something to do with the angle of the bow, and the position.."

"That's my brilliant queen." he smirked. Hermione was aiming the bow as he said this.

"Don't make me turn around and try to hit you."

"Remember, there would be no point in that...I.."

"I know. You can't die. Whoopdie do."

"Someone's cranky."

"I'm not cranky!" she fired, and actually hit the target on its edge. Hermione sighed again. "I royally messed that up, didn't I?"

"You weren't too bad, my dear." the Count tried to cheer her up. "You would have done better If I had showed you."

Hermione furrowed her brow, but gave in. "Fine.. you can show me."

"Gladly.." he replied. He was by her side. "Now. Position yourself like you did for the previous shot." His flawless accent was close to her.

She did as he said. God, he's gorgeous.. she thought. But he's got no heart. He even said so in the movie...well..not the real him. But still, it was said.

Her heart was beating nervously. He placed his hands on her hips to perfect her position. His hands then went on her arms, to help her aim the bow. "You're heart beat. Fear? Is it?"

"Nervous.." Hermione admitted.

'Don't be." he spoke. He aided her in firing, and he was right. A perfect bullseye.

"Well how about that! It worked."

"I told you, my dear."

Hermione smiled. Something crossed her mind. "Now what were we going to negotiate again?"

"Well... your friend. Harry Potter. I've heard much about him. I have a way of helping his quest, but..."

"But what?"

"I'll give the Order of the Phoenix the locations of all the remaining Horcruxes..only if you promise to not run away, and to accept the fate that will be bestowed upon you."

Hermione figured that he meant being his queen was that fate. Hermione replied without a doubt. "I'll do it."

"You didn't hear the conditions of this agreement yet..."

"Oh.."

"I will give them by letter, anonymously of course. There will be no mention of my true identity, or your condition. If you escape or try to contact them yourself, I will cease in assisting the Order. Understand?"

Hermione nodded. "If you haven't noticed, I'd do anything for those I care about, and anything to end Voldemort and his Death Eaters."

A sudden pain rushed to his head. His master was calling.

"I must leave you now, my beauty. My father beckons." he planted a kiss on her lips. She was surprised that she returned it. After a minute or two, he let go, and left the room. Hermione was left standing there. She faintly touched her lips with her hands. her mind was furious. Her body and soul ached for more.

AN: Please Read and Review! Next Chapter will take place a week or two later.. So, make my day and review! or IM me! I also forgot to mention I have MSN. It's... najstrong at msn dot com!